25 Nov 2024 | 02:51 AM UTC
Pakistan: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party likely to continue nationwide protests through at least late November /update 6
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party likely to protest in Pakistan through late November. Supporters continuing march to Islamabad as of Nov. 25.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party will likely stage nationwide protests through at least late November to demand action on various grievances, including the release of jailed PTI leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. As of Nov. 25, thousands of supporters continue to march toward D-Chowk in Islamabad. The protests began on Nov. 24 after Khan called for a major rally in the capital. Security forces reportedly clashed with protesters, using tear gas to disperse crowds and detaining around 400 supporters in and around Islamabad.
Authorities have partially suspended internet and mobile services around Islamabad as well as Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provinces through Nov. 25. Officials have also blocked off all entry and exit routes of Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi with shipping containers and suspended intercity buses out of Lahore and between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Road blockades are also in place on expressways and major thoroughfares of Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi; routes to Islamabad International Airport (ISB) are partially closed. Authorities are deploying over 9,000 Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Islamabad and over 10,000 rangers in Punjab Province. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which empowers the government to prohibit unauthorized public gatherings temporarily, is in effect in Islamabad and Punjab Province until Nov. 25. Officials could extend the security measures over the coming days if protests continue to escalate.
Additional demonstrations of varying types will likely occur in cities such as Rawalpindi and Lahore over the coming days. Potential gathering sites include press clubs, monuments, sports grounds, government buildings, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Well-attended gatherings have previously drawn tens of thousands of participants. Due to legal orders or security measures, protest plans may change on short notice.
The invocation of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code will likely occur in additional rallies. Security forces will likely monitor any demonstrations that occur and may use batons and tear gas to disperse some gatherings. Security checks, traffic restrictions, and resulting transport delays will probably affect certain areas in major cities, and preventive arrests of PTI leaders are possible.
Clashes between police and activists, as well as incidents of arson and vandalism, remain possible, especially if authorities attempt to disperse crowds forcibly. In the event of significant violence, officials may impose temporary mobile internet outages and restrictions on social media and messaging applications. Localized business disruptions could occur in areas affected by protests and increased security.
Avoid all demonstrations due to the threat of violence. Depart the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building at the first sign of any security disturbance. Plan for ground transport delays and business disruptions in cities. Monitor trusted local media as organizers may announce or change protest plans on short notice. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.
